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Virginia Tech celebrates first LGBT history month

BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 16, 2012 – Throughout the month of October, Virginia Tech will celebrate the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender heritage and related civil rights movements. This will be the first time that a cultural awareness month dedicated to LGBT issues is observed at Virginia Tech.

During the week of Oct. 22-26, Multicultural Programs and Services has partnered with Downtown Blacksburg Inc., and select restaurant owners to offer a Dining Out for Equality Restaurant Week in downtown Blacksburg. Participating restaurants will be offering discounts on selected menu items throughout the week in support of the LGBT community.

Other events include film screenings, guest speakers, and discussions designed to engage community members with issues that LGBT individuals face while in school, at work, and at home. A complete list can be found on the Multicultural Programs and Services website.

All students, faculty and staff members, and members of the community are invited to participate in the month’s events, which are sponsored by various university offices and community organizations.

For more information about programs and resources offered both at Virginia Tech and by off-campus organizations for LGBT or questioning individuals and their allies, visit the LGBTQ pages at the Multicultural Programs and Services website or contact campus LGBTQ coordinator, Catherine Cotrupi.

The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech encompasses departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student's life outside the classroom is represented through the division's departments.

Safe Zone Program

Safe Zones are established by members of the Virginia Tech community committed to providing a more inclusive and accepting environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals and their allies.

Program objectives:

To identify a network of allies who are concerned, empathetic, and knowledgeable about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender questions

To provide evidence of the support of LGBTQ people and their allies within the Virginia Tech community by posting a sign as tangible evidence of that support

To reduce the fear of reprisal and discrimination by LGBTQ people and their allies within the Virginia Tech community

To assist LGBTQ and allied students in achieving their educational goals by creating an environment in which they can be themselves